Survey from RFK Future Reveals Overwhelming Opposition to New Stadium at RFK Site, Preference for Alternative Vision
67% of Residents Reject New Stadium Project, Call for Community-focused Development
WASHINGTON, D.C. – RFK Future, a coalition of residents from the neighborhoods surrounding RFK Stadium, today released results of an extensive, more than 2,000-person survey revealing that a resounding 67% of respondents oppose a new football stadium to replace the defunct RFK Stadium. Instead, the survey revealed strong support for community-driven alternatives, such as a park or nature preserve, a sports and recreation complex for all ages, open space, and affordable housing.
The results of the survey will be formally presented to Mayor Bowser on Wednesday, October 18th at 7:00 PM during a public meeting organized by the Friends of Kingman Park hosted in the Imperial Room of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church (320 21st St. NE).
“The results of this survey highlight not just clear opposition to a stadium, but the breadth of vibrant and creative ideas our community has for the RFK Stadium site. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a green oasis, a place where young athletes can thrive, to offer dignity for elders in our city and solutions to our affordable housing crisis. Our collective vision is so much larger when the community is at the table,” said Lisa White, president of Friends of Kingman Park, member of RFK Future, and long-time D.C. resident.
The survey results reveal a strong sentiment that the pursuit of a new NFL stadium should not come against the wishes of D.C. residents and at the expense of D.C. taxpayers. Use of tax dollars to fund the stadium was a common reason cited for stadium opposition, as were issues related to a lack of parking enforcement, disruptions to traffic and emergency vehicle access, concerns over public drunkenness and drunk driving, and increases in crime, noise, public urination, trash, rats, and pollution.
Over 2,000 residents completed the survey, which was open from August 16th through October 16th. Responses were collected electronically and through paper surveys available at local libraries. In addition to these efforts, volunteers canvassed door-to-door throughout the neighborhoods to ensure as many residents were included. The majority of responses (approximately 80%) came from residents living in neighborhoods directly surrounding RFK: Kingman Park, River Terrace, Rosedale, Hill East, and Capitol Hill. Neighborhood locations and addresses were self-reported.
When asked to rank five different uses for the site, the majority of respondents chose a parks and nature complex as most important; a parks and nature complex was supported by 80% of respondents. A parks and nature complex was followed by recreation and sports complex for all ages, open green space and/or more playing fields, and new housing. The majority of respondents ranked a new NFL stadium as least important.
Respondents submitted over 1,000 comments including different ideas for the site, including an expanded skate park, multigenerational housing, a hospital, an indoor track, a grocery store, and restaurants. RFK Future intends to conduct further analysis of the survey results and community engagement.
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About RFK Future
RFK Future is a group of residents in the Kingman Park, Rosedale, Hill East, and River Terrace neighborhoods who have come together to craft a community vision for the future of the old RFK Stadium site. Supported by the Friends of Kingman Park, RFK Future is 100% volunteer-run. Learn more and get involved at www.RFKFuture.org.